Furniture design ideas for living room
65 Best Living Room Decorating Ideas & Designs
1
Enhance a Bakyard View
Gordon Beall
Working with landscape architect Lila Fendrick, designer Nestor Santa Cruz chose a wall of steel and glass windows and doors for this formal pool house living room that leads to the backyard. Though the glass decor, from the pendant light to the coffee table and doors, leaves a decidedly sleek impression, the plush rug and ethereal curtains make it extra cozy, too.
2
Work Around Restrictions
Karyn Millet
When designer Celerie Kemble moved into this New York City apartment, there was only one thing that prevented it from being the perfect fit: The building had a no wallpaper rule. To work around that obstacle, she applied a light shade of pink paint in a plaster-like finish that channels the texture of wallpaper.
3
Mix Clean Lines With Casual Materials
Nicolas Gourguechon
In the living room of designer Devin Kirk, a light shade of blue-gray along with clean-lined furniture makes for a polished backdrop while the woven chairs, light wood side table, and tree stump coffee table ensure a laidback atmosphere. It's the perfect balance of approachable and formal.
4
Incorporate Fun Trees and Plants
Read McKendree
Invite some nods to nature into your living room with quirky indoor plants and trees. Designer Elizabeth Cooper placed a lush citrus tree in the corner for an extra pop of life and color and then staggered topiaries on the windowsill.
5
Create Zones With Area Rugs
Laure Joliet
This sitting room is right off the open kitchen, so designer Regan Baker decided to visually separate it with a custom sectional and area rug.
A cleek armchair is positioned at a diagonal, establishing a nice balanced whole.
6
Add Personality With Texture-Rich Neutrals
Stephen Kent Johnson / OTTO
A quirky indoor tree is s fun surprise in this polished and cosmopolitan living room designed by Shawn Henderson. And, instead of a classic white or warm off-white paint color, he opted for a cooler gray neutral that complements the other subtle tones throughout the room. This also allows the texture-rich accents to shine.
7
Extend It Outdoors
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
This vacation home in Maui, Hawaii blends indoor and outdoor living beautifully. Designed by Breeze Giannasio Interiors, the two living spaces are connected by a sliding door that simply disappears when open for total connection between the open-air terrace and the indoor living room.
The materials, colors, and fabrics are all coordinated for visual flow, too.
8
Transform a Generic Space With Texture
Gieves Anderson
If you live in a generic rental or simply have a small space, get inspired by this living room designed by David Frazier. Not only does it prove that size isn't everything, but it's also full of tricks that bring more dimension to otherwise simple architecture. Pops of marigold speak to the warm antique wood pieces and break up the monochromatic color scheme and the large rice paper pendant keeps things casual so it can function as a more relaxed family room. A gallery wall, large indoor plant, and ceiling-high curtain rod add depth.
Check out Society6 for affordable and stylish prints and artwork to jazz up your walls.
9
Get Weird On the Coffee Table
Romanek Design Studio
Instead of decorating your coffee table with the classic assortment of stacked coffee table books, opt for something subtly quirky and unique.
Here, Romanek Design Studio covered the surface with a collection of classic pots and planters, which both enhance and juxtapose the formal, traditional elements throughout the space as well as the more modern ones, making for a fun and eclectic yet timeless sprawl.
Check out Terrain for all your indoor and outdoor gardening needs.
10
Swap High Back Seating for Daybeds and Benches
Frank Frances Studio
Bring in extra seating with daybeds, settees, and window seats in smaller spaces. They have lower back profiles, which prevents interrupting the visual flow and also keeps the space feeling open. We're loving the pop of yellow in this bold living room by Courtney McLeod.
Check out Albany Park for great living room seating options.
11
Redefine "Neutrals"
Nicole Franzen
If you don't love playing with tons of patterns and bold hues but appreciate experimental pieces and tasteful pops of color, take notes on this living room.
Rather than opting for all black and whites, the anchor pieces—like sofa and tables—remain neutral, while the throws, artwork and lamp offer just a splash of color (nothing too crazy: just marigold, red, navy, and green).
Check out Design Within Reach for iconic design pieces.
12
Carve Out a Home Bar
Stacy Zarin Goldberg
In this living room designed by Carmel Greer, the paint color (Peach Blossom by Benjamin Moore) and casual jute rug set a sweet foundation while the modern, angular artwork, right fixture, seating, and throw blanket bring an edge. One built-in niche is optimized to function as a full-on home bar station while the other stores and displays firewood. The mirrored wall within the left niche also helps bounce light and gives it a swanky nightclub vibe.
Check out Huckberry for great home barware.
13
Add Something Unexpected
Heather Hilliard
While the classic blue grasscloth wallpaper, floor lamp, and curtains set the stage for a traditional living room, designer Heather Hilliard added some unexpectedly edgy elements.
The floral sofa and the green lucite coffee table are a welcome surprise that break up the classic elements without overshadowing them.
Check out Kartell for cool lucite furniture.
14
Conceal Your TV
Nicole Franzen
This neutral-toned living room by Kristin Fine is refined and grown-up, but also family-friendly. The soft and textural upholstery mixed with cream paint, rustic wood pieces, and plenty of antique accents are partially to thank, but there's also a large television mounted to the wall for family movie marathons. Fine gave it prime over-the-mantel placement but discretely tucked behind panels that double as modern art.
Check out Samsung for clever tech television designs.
15
Restore Existing Moldings
Jared Kuzia Photography
To complement the restored wood accents in this Boston Colonial Revival, designer Cecilia Casagrande on a deep, rich shade of blue-green paint: Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue.
She then mixed contemporary elements with more traditional ones to further play with that juxtaposition between old and new design trends.
Check out Farrow & Ball for both timeless and cutting-edge paint colors.
16
Incorporate Indoor Trees and Plants
Space Content Studio
Spruce up your empty corners with large indoor plants and trees. Atelier ND and Carice Van Houten used a variety of species to create visual intrigue with different heights and shapes. It really freshens up the rich jewel and earth tones.
Check out The Sill for beautiful indoor plants and garden essentials.
17
Paint the Ceiling
Emily Followill
Designer Meredith McBrearty painted the ceiling light blue (she used the same shade in various rooms throughout the house, creating a continuous design thread), which adds an unexpected personality.
The warm tones featured in the furniture contrast nicely.
Check out Benjamin Moore for endless colors of high-quality paint.
18
Upholster the Walls
Kevin Dumais
Though classic and timeless, this living room by interior designer Kevin Dumais is also having tons of fun. From the red-painted ceiling to the velvet floor cushions for extra seating and the bold artwork, no detail is overlooked. To make the room feel even more soft and intimate, Dumais upholstered the walls in a leather fabric.
Check out Crate & Barrel for family-friendly staples.
19
Go Wild With Fun Fabrics
Paul Raeside
This eclectic living room designed by Montreal-based Les Ensembliers is making a case for a unique layout and wild fabric use.
The sofas are all configured at an angle to break up the monotony of a classic, symmetrical living room, and all the fun, luxe fabrics warm up the open and airy space. Aesthetically, it's refreshing and unique, which in turn, gives the formal sitting room unpretentious, fun energy that inspires creativity and puts guests at ease.
Check out Kravet for tons of fabulous designer fabrics perfect for your upholstery projects.
20
Keep It Classic and Crisp
Heather Hilliard Design
A crisp, matte white living room is pristine, elegant, and timeless. Adding glass and metallic features sharpens up the white pieces. Sherwin-Williams Pure White is there for you when you don't just want to experiment with trends anymore.
Check out Wayfair for all your home decor needs, from staples to accents.
21
Make It Cheerful
Anna Spiro Design
From the playful pillows and ottoman to the elegant gilt mirror and bright blue walls, this space by Anna Spiro Design is perfect for low-key nights in, or more formal gatherings.
And the pleated yellow lamp is what really makes the living room feel cheerful and cozy.
Check out 45 Three Modern Vintage Home for fun, one-of-a-kind vintage lighting options.
22
Use an Off-White
Heidi Caillier Design
In this eclectic living room designed by Heidi Caillier, the jute rug, wood finishes, and brass accents bring plenty of warmth to ensure a cozy, inviting space. The colorful contrasting prints throughout contribute to the playful yet formal spirit of the room, too. And though it doesn't necessarily stand out, the cream paint color makes a transformative difference. White would be much starker.
Check out Serena & Lily for fun yet classic throw pillows.
23
Know Your Place
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
Before you even start decorating your living room, remember where you are.
(If you live in a casual beach house, your design scheme is going to look very different from that of an urban industrial loft space, for instance.) In this beach house by Arent & Pyke, the design team focused on channeling the tropical vibe of a coastal home through fun motifs and casual materials. Yet, they still maintained a look of sophistication through fresh upholstery, beautiful artwork, and a thoughtful layout. That being said, if you're a sucker for kitsch and wish you were always on island time, add a hint of it with one statement piece, like a vintage Hawaiian-print rattan chair.
Check out Serena & Lily for coastal-inspired pieces.
24
Hang a Chair
Romanek Design Studio
Nothing ramps up the fun like a playful touch in the family room. This hanging chair in a living room designed by Romanek Design Studio proves our point—but the handsome leather upholstery also ensures a more sophisticated look.
It's the perfect blend of cozy and cool.
Check out Modshop for groovy retro-inspired pieces.
25
Have Fun With Throw Pillows
Studio Razavi
Here's a lesson in monochromatic decorating with soul. Designed by Studio Razavi, this Parisian apartment is a beautiful blend of modern and Neoclassical style. While the bones of the room evoke a grand sort of opulence, the plush Moroccan rug and spacious white sofa make the space feel more approachable.
Check out Wayfair for endless options of decorative pillows.
26
Choose A Bold Wallpaper
Roland Bello
Wallpaper is one of those trends that just keeps on giving and giving. If you go with a classic chinoiserie wallpaper, you can do just about anything with it as your style changes over the year.
This modern self portrait by Chuck Close is a bold contrast to the chinoiserie wallpaper (Iksel's Eastern Eden) behind it in this Miles Redd–designed home. The contrast doesn't stop there: Redd continued to venture beyond design convention by incorporating contrasting jewel tones and mixing modern furniture styles with antique pieces. Oh—and believe it or not, the lime green chair is from Ikea! Proof even the best designers love a good deal.
Check out Anthropologie for bold wallpaper prints.
27
Bring the Fun to the Floor
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
When you have crisp white walls and neutral staples, like a sofa and coffee table, choose one statement item that brings in a surge of colorful energy. It can be anything from a vibrant piece of art on the walls to a bright carpet like this one in a living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors.
Check out Homestead Seattle for colorful, one-of-a-kind rugs.
28
Bring Some Texture to the Walls
Gail Davis Design
If you love the soft look and feel of upholstered walls but don't want to embark on that major of a project (you'll need to install padding, etc.), then try a fabric-effect wallpaper or a grasscloth. In this living room by Gail Davis Design, it suits the warm leather and brass pieces wonderfully, while the blue painted accents cool things off.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
29
Branch Away From Neutrals
Laure Joliet
Designed by Redmond Aldrich Design, this living room manages to be unique and versatile, colorful and understated, approachable and impressive, all at once.
That's thanks to the quirky, eclectic mix of frames, a light wood-paneled wall, a classic carpet, and an unexpectedly colorful sofa. If you typically like to stick to more neutral tones at home but find yourself generally drawn to color, consider venturing out with a dusty rose, forest green, or navy piece—they're the new neutrals.
Check out Article for sofas that feature classic silhouettes and moderately experimental colors.
30
Install Statement Lighting Overhead
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Want to go a little glam without looking too showy? Add in minimal brass accents, like a metal-frame coffee table and eye-catching metallic lighting. This living room is also a good blueprint for small space decorating. While the only three furniture items are two seats and a small coffee table, the ceiling light is all it takes to make the entire room feel special.
Check out CB2 for on-trend and affordable lighting options.
31
Hang Modern Art
Nicole Franzen
Wall art is a great way to add a big statement in a minimalist living room. It doesn't take up any surface space, but it can really transform the aesthetic. Use an abstract photograph like this one to dictate the colors of your throw pillows for cohesion.
Check out Tappan Collective for cutting-edge art.
32
Consider Your Surroundings
Studio Razavi
In this modern mountain home designed by architecture firm Studio Razavi, the classic cabin aesthetic gets an upgrade. The plush carpeting and sheepskin throw warm things up while the modern light fixture, streamlined furniture, and neutral colors ensure a calming, laidback, and stylish environment.
Check out IKEA for plush and affordable accessories.
33
Spruce Up Your Fireplace
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Who says backsplashes are just for your kitchen? Try tiling your fireplace. It adds an artful, customized touch to the living room without being overpowering. This is especially true if you opt for neutral or black and white geometric tiles, as in this Leanne Ford–designed space.
Check out Lowes for tons of mosaic tiles.
34
Mix and Match Patterns
Björn Wallander
The sofa in Apartment Therapy founder Maxwell Ryan's living room is a prime example of perfectly mismatched patterns. The couch maintains a tonal blue scheme, and the blue rug beneath it ties the whole look together. It's a great way to practice your pattern mixing if you're not ready to work with the entire rainbow yet.
Check out ABC Carpet & Home for beautiful textiles and throws.
35
Take Advantage of All Useable Space
Werner Straube
A formal living room can be full of fun and personality, too. Interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins sets the bar with a glam pendant light, marble fireplace, and plenty of luxe touches, like the emerald green velvet sofa. And it optimizes all useable space, thanks to a built-in bench between the fireplace and window niche.
Check out Etsy for handmade cushions, custom throw pillows, and art supplies to rework at home.
36
Pick Comfy Seating
Studio Razavi
Designed by Studio Razavi, this eclectic Parisian apartment is a breath of fresh air. Not only does it prove that you can use a wallpaper mural in a minimalist environment (the grayscale color palette helps), but it's also the perfect example of how to design a living room that's both fun and relaxed, sophisticated and formal.
The key? Seating needs to be comfortable, and materials need to be casual but clean.
Check out RH for high-quality, comfortable, and timeless seating.
37
Display Books in Style
Lisa Romerein
"The room doesn't get a lot of light, so I decided to make it cozy and turned it into an English-style portrait room, which is ridiculous, but fun," says celebrity chef Alex Hitz. Taking the cozy route in a living room without a ton of natural light is a great solution. And what's cozier than a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with seating beckoning you to curl up on it? To display your books more creatively, offset them with artwork. In this room, a Peter Rogers portrait of Alex Hitz's close friend, the late Nan Kempner, hangs over the bookshelves to create some contrast.
Check out Design Within Reach for stylish and modern wall storage options.
38
Encourage Conversation
PHOTO: Alexandra Ribar; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
If you frequently entertain guests at your home, choose a strategic living room layout that promotes conversation and comfort. For example, this living room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors incorporates semi-circle seating that's both spacious and inviting. Sectionals are also a good option when a circular sofa isn't. And if you love the all-white aesthetic, take note: Ford brush-painted the natural Ikea rug and custom-made rope light.
Check out Crate & Barrel for spacious, family-friendly sectionals.
39
Go All Out With a Gallery Wall
ANNIE SCHLECHTER
Aside from the adorable dogs (Jacob and Wylo) cuddled up on the armchair-meets-dog-bed, that gallery wall is the clear statement-maker in this living room designed by Philip Mitchell.
Mix and match frames for a subtle nod of personality. And speaking of personal touches, consider hanging art that means something to you—whether it's your children's artwork, your own, or a portrait of your pets.
Check out Framebridge for custom framing with tons of stylish options.
40
Double It's Function
David Tsay
Double your living room's function by investing in practical, multi-purpose furniture. Here, in a space by Justina Blakeney, the console table also functions as a fold-out desk. But it's not all work—there's definitely room for play, from the lush plants to the fun details, and colorful patterns throughout.
Check out Jungalow for beautiful bohemian accents and essentials.
41
Choose Timeless Anchors
PHOTO: Felix Forest; DESIGN: Arent & Pyke
A black marble fireplace strikes the perfect balance between edgy and timeless.
It anchors this living room designed by Arent & Pyke, which get a contemporary lift from the jute rug, modern and bright artwork, and shapely table lamp. And because the armchairs are a classic silhouette, they'll last forever—you can reupholster them with different colors and prints throughout the years as your taste and style change.
Check out Chairish for vintage and timeless investment chairs.
42
Be Playful
Christopher Delaney
This hot-pink fireplace was inspired by the homeowners' grandmother's favorite shade of lipstick, interior designer Kristen McCory tells us. Have fun with little details like that and look for inspiration everywhere! If painting your entire living room a bold color sounds intimidating, opt for a statement wall or mantle.
Check out Home Depot for a range of fresh color options.
43
Make Things Easy On Yourself
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
Make it easy on yourself by sticking to a very consistent, very simple color scheme.
In this space by Leanne Ford Interiors, the designer worked within a strictly all-white color story. Even the firewood is painted white! We'll let that be a lesson in attention to detail. Then choose one item to really pop in a bright color. In this case, Ford went with a bright-red Pierre Paulin Ribbon chair.
Check out Farrow & Ball for beautiful high-quality interior paints.
44
Use Your Favorite Color
FRANCESCO LAGNESE
Color stretches all the way up to the high rafters in this living room designed by Thomas Jayne and William Cullum. As you can see in the mirror, the hue of the wall changes depending on the way the light hits it, shifting between sharp mint green and soft sea-foam green. The red and blue work nicely, too, as the red is featured in the carpet, coffee table, and sofas, blending everything together beautifully. All together, the room feels traditional and formal, country chic and casual.
To elongate your already tall ceilings, hang a pendant light high above the sitting area.
Check out Target for tons of contemporary light fixtures.
45
Make It Gallery-Worthy
Nicole Franzen
Everything in this living room is playing with shape. While the marble mantle and glossy floating shelves are angular and sharp, the coffee table and ottoman are soft and rounded. The use of natural materials makes the room feel rich even though there's not much in it.
Check out Amara for tons of modern and unique living room items.
46
Take Advantage of High Ceilings
Romanek Design Group
In this stylish, comfortable, and elevated living room by Romanek Design Studio, the off-white feels bright and airy while also warming things up and bringing it to a human scale (a cool white might be too stark, especially in a large, open room with high ceilings).
Accent with soft textures and a few pops of color plus a tall plant or tree for an energizing contrast.
Check out Gooddee for tons of modern and unique living room items.
47
Set Up a Library Ladder
Victoria Pearson
The bookshelves in photographer Victoria Pearson's own Ojai living room allow all kinds of opportunities for displaying different items, and also for storage. Adding a ladder for high shelves adds another decorative touch.
Check out AllModern for leaning bookshelves and ladders.
48
Play With Shape and Color
Studio DB
The more distinct, the bigger the statement when it comes to wall decor and art. A good way to switch things up is by choosing artwork that doesn't live within the confines of a rectangular or square frame.
We're also loving the colorful nesting coffee tables and ombre carpet, which add a little fun to this living room designed by Studio DB.
Check out Minted for accessible and fun artwork.
49
Work With What You Have
PHOTO: Reid Rolls; DESIGN: Leanne Ford Interiors
This floor-to-ceiling fireplace in a living room designed by Leanne Ford takes style notes from the best of both worlds: a classic mountain chalet and the Malibu coast. Whether there's snow falling or waves crashing right outside that window, we want to be curled up on that linen slip-covered chair. This living room is also a testament to the perks of working with what you have. The fireplace was given a new life with a makeshift mantle comprised of reclaimed wood and a fresh coat of white paint.
Check out Etsy for found objects and art supplies to rework at home.
50
Paint Your Walls a New Color
2LG Studio
"Soft pink was used here as a neutral base, which connects all the other elements throughout the space," say the design duo behind 2LG Studio.
"We designed bespoke plywood joinery throughout to unite the spaces and create much needed storage," they add. If you're bored of looking at stark white walls, try a soft color that can function as a neutral but exciting backdrop.
Check out Portola Paints for one-of-a-kind paint colors.
51
Make It Double-Duty
Studio DB
If your formal living room is also your family room, you want to make sure it strikes a balance between super comfortable and presentable—a cozy family room that cleans up nicely, if you will. A super soft sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must, but choose one that also looks elegant. Then add fun, eye-catching lighting for an extra punch of fun, like the one in this Studio DB-designed room.
Check out HD Buttercup for unique and practical living room furniture.
52
Pair Unexpected Colors
Paul Raeside
Who says everything has to be matchy-matchy? Contrast your couch and chairs to make things a bit more interesting.
In this refreshingly quirky living room designed by Andrew Flesher, there's a little bit of everything—from jewel tones and tropical prints to classic prep school patterns, rustic accents, and traditional touches.
Check out Burke Decor for fun, on-trend patterns.
53
Shrink It Down
Jaokim Johansson for Fantastic Frank
Live in a super tiny space? Opt for a settee instead of a sofa or sectional and stack nesting tables instead of getting a bulky coffee table. You'll be surprised at much space this can save. And instead of spending a fortune on framing, simply pin up your favorite artwork as is. The easy elegance can be just as beautiful.
Check out West Elm for great apartment-friendly furniture.
54
Make It Relaxing
PHOTO: Lauren Bamford; DESIGN: Robson Rak
The clean lines throughout this living room designed by Robson Rak are making a small but mighty difference.
From the white paneled walls to the black-trimmed window and modern angular yet plush sofa, the linear motif is super easy on the eyes. And we love how the green nesting tables bring in some round contrast without clashing. For a similarly calming aesthetic, choose light colors and modern, low-to-the-ground furniture. Then splice in contemporary decorative objects to add personality. And bonus points if your living room has a lot of access to natural light.
Check out Finnish Design Shop for contemporary and tasteful accent pieces.
55
Paint the Ceiling
David A. Land
Why only have fun on the walls when you can have even more fun with a statement ceiling? We're loving the romantic yet surprisingly fresh color combination of fire-engine red and violet in this space by Katie Brown. The bohemian embroidered throw pillows tie everything together nicely. That's another great way to approach the living room design process: Start with a fun pair of throw pillows, and then pull out your two favorite colors to highlight on the walls and ceiling.
Check out H&M Home for fun and affordable throw pillows.
56
Take a Risk
Catherine Kwong Design
Rather than focusing exclusively on the walls in this grand San Francisco living room, designer Catherine Kwong brought the abstract art onto the floors. With broad white brushstrokes on the black-stained hardwood, these floors are a gorgeous juxtaposition against the Neoclassical ceiling and antique mirror above the fireplace. The key to mixing all these divergent design aesthetics is to remain in the same grayscale color scheme. Pro tip: wall sconces always add a subtle but transformative finishing touch.
Check out Frances & Son for hip and classic lighting options.
57
Add a Rocking Chair
Trevor Tondro
Chairs that look good but are totally uncomfortable? Not worth the cute factor.
Besides, here's definitive proof that rocking chairs can actually be super chic. The camel leather contrasts perfectly with the cream wall and plays up the old-time-y rustic feel of the reclaimed wood mantle.
Check our Urban Outfitters for hip, fun, and affordable staples.
58
Remember That Less Is More
PHOTO: Shannon McGrath; DESIGN: Robson Rak
An understated palette means you can focus on incredible interior architecture and dramatic statement pieces. Who says minimalists are afraid of color? Just pick one hue and a few select essentials, like in this modern blue living room designed by Robson Rak. The soothing tones and bulbous shapes throughout, from the marble side table to the bubble pendant light and rounded sofa, make it feel like a hug in the form of a living room.
Check out Moda Operandi for designer-approved accents.
59
Add Candles
Francesco Lagnese
Can you imagine how beautiful this room looks glowing in the candlelight? Opt for a chandelier with candles instead of lightbulbs for a rustic vibe.
Or, if that's not an option, display them on your mantel and light them up when you need to strike a romantic mood. (Use flameless candles to play it safe).
Check out Amazon for reliable and pretty basics.
60
Set Up a Few Sitting Areas
Annie Schlechter
This rustic great room was built to resemble a converted barn. If you're blessed with a large enough open plan living room, set up multiple sitting areas: one for hanging and snacking (a bistro table can break up the lower height of the other sitting areas), one for cuddling up with a good book, and one for formal entertaining.
Check out YLighting for great staple items in a variety of styles.
61
Choose An Oversized Pendant
Nicole Franzen
If your room has a more minimalist vibe, try an oversized, Noguchi-inspired paper pendant.
But take note: If your furniture is large and clunky, or you have a lot of busy decor, it could overwhelm it. The best part? Rice lantern pendant lights like the one in this living room designed by Space Exploration Design are super affordable.
Check out Paper Lantern Store for all your rice paper lighting needs.
62
Consider Black and Add Flowers
Maura McEvoy
Designer Kristin Kong hid a door to the basement behind millwork painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Fox in her home near Atlanta. The trick "makes the room look less choppy,” she says, since the dark color helps everything blend together. And never underestimate the power of a beautiful flower arrangement on the coffee table!
Check out Cost Plus World Market for fun and affordable accessories.
63
Elongate the Ceiling
Courtesy of Nicole Franzen
Blend neutral gray walls with sleek, modern furniture and lighting.
It'll look chic rather than dated. A velvet throw pillow will add a nice iridescent flare, too. Also, pro tip: hang your curtains at the tippy-top of your walls to make the ceilings seem higher.
Check out CB2 for contemporary and versatile hardware.
64
Go Shiplap Crazy
Trevor Tondro
To up the farmhouse vibes, install shiplap. Joanna Gaines would totally approve. Then add something metallic, like a coffee table, for some unexpected bling.
Check out Joss & Main for fun and bold pieces.
65
Keep It Simple
Christopher Baker
This living room is simple, clean-lined, and inviting, with a little bit of glamour and a lot of comfort. To highlight the architectural details, the moldings are painted in high-gloss white.
Check out Apartment 2B for clean and classic furniture.
Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.
50 Inspirational Living Room Ideas
Decorating your living room? We've compiled 50 gorgeous living room ideas to use as a starting point for your next decorating project. From decor to design to furniture, if you're looking for living room inspiration you've come to the right place. You can also shop similar looks with our living room accessories.
Rachel Whiting
1 of 50
Modern rustic
This contemporary, open-plan living space embraces a modern rustic feel. The beamed ceiling is a nod to the rustic setting, while a mix of vintage pieces blend with contemporary designs including the sofa.
Read more: This modern new-build cottage feels right at home in Suffolk
Bill Kingston
2 of 50
Victorian flair
Carolyn Barber
3 of 50
Modern oriental
Tim Young
4 of 50
Rich velvets
A painterly floral wallpaper provides a delicate backdrop to a beautiful and rich deep-blue velvet sofa.
For the perfect finishing touch, add velvet cushions with a contrasting trim for a truly wonderful living room scheme.
Read more: 8 photos that will make you want to decorate with velvet immediately
Mark Scott
5 of 50
Relaxed layering
Keep it contemporary yet pared back by teaming drips, drops and splatter patterns for an impressionistic look.
Read more: 6 stylish inky blue interiors
Colin Poole
6 of 50
Small change, big difference
A simple Roman blind and textured flooring has resulted in an elegant update for this neutral living room.
• Modern, traditional or shaggy, Modern Rugs has a great selection for your floor.
*We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
Rachel Whiting
7 of 50
Go botanical
Carolyn Barber
8 of 50
Geometrical
Combine straight, curved and angular lines with splashes of colour for a graphic look, keeping the background of this living room understated.
Read more: 8 stylish ways to use pattern in your home
Dan Duchars
9 of 50
Bold backdrop
Abstract floral wallpaper creates a dramatic backdrop in this living room. The metallic ceiling pendant and table lamp bring a contemporary contrast, while the sweeping wooden frame of the coffee table and grey rug add texture and softness.
Read more: Judy Murray's Wimbledon flat makeover: from lad's pad to stylish sanctuary
Mark Scott
10 of 50
Naturally laid back
White walls, soft grey upholstery and pale wooden furniture create a relaxed and welcoming look. Choose a classic sofa as the centrepiece, then introduce pattern with a mix-and-match collection of patterned cushions and a geometric rug.
• Head to Dunelm for a range of cushions at an affordable price.
Fiona Walker-Arnott
11 of 50
A big impression
Choose eyecatching furniture and accessories to create impact in a big, airy room with high ceilings – as seen in this Regency townhouse renovation that's a perfect mix of old and new.
• Looking for a colourful sofa? Shop the most colourful ranges at Swoon.
Mark Scott
12 of 50
Rethink pink
Pink is still a huge interiors trend. Layer soft rose with grey, choose a classic sofa as the room's focal point and introduce pattern with decorative cushions and a rug. Contrast the soft colours with a statement floor lamp and coffee table.
House Beautiful/Carolyn Barber
13 of 50
Everyday luxury
For hygge vibes, add extra comfort to seating with a toning mix of patterned and plain cushions in linen and wool. It's the perfect autumn/winter look.
Read more: Scandi-style interiors: inspiration for your home
Chris Snook
14 of 50
Two-tone
This living room has a two-tone palette of grey and chalky white. The darker grey is used on the chimney breast, with the other three walls painted in warm white, which makes the room feel more spacious.
Read more: How one designer made the most of every inch of a compact living room
David Merewether
15 of 50
Cosy rustic
David Giles
16 of 50
Opposites attract
Vintage sofas bring an elegant feel in this Victorian home.
Promote a sense of intimacy in an open-plan or big room by arranging seating around a coffee table with a rug beneath. The aim is to create a cosy zone within the space.
• If you want a statement coffee table, head to Amara for some lust-worthy designs.
Susan Burnell
17 of 50
Dark and cosy
Carolyn Barber
18 of 50
Pop of colour in small spaces
In a small lounge area, a tactile velvet sofa in a golden shade and compact, rounded shape provides impact. Meanwhile, fringed and patterned cushions add individuality. Combining these tactile textures provide sumptuous depth, particularly useful for elevating small spaces.
Read more: 9 stylish ways to introduce ochre into a neutral space
David Barbour
19 of 50
Room with a view
A sofa with a low back looks contemporary and won't interrupt a great view, as can be seen in this modern farmhouse in Scottish highlands.
Jo Sheldrake
20 of 50
A country tale
This classic country style scheme is made relaxed and informal with a squashy sofa and chairs, neutral colours and natural textures.
The gilt-framed mirror and glamorous table lamps add a touch of elegance to the look.
Mark Scott
21 of 50
Artistic palette
Turn your living room into a masterpiece with painterly patterned fabrics, arty effects and a palette of soft colours. Choose fine cottons, linens and silks printed in washes of colour as a starting point for your scheme. Team highly decorative pieces with streamlined furniture for a perfect balance of form and function.
• Dress your home in faux flowers – shop some beautiful designs at John Lewis & Partners.
Lizzie Orme
22 of 50
Make it cosy
Toning grey walls teamed with upcycled furniture and vintage finds give this living room a cosy feel.
• Head to Dulux for some paint inspiration.
Richard Gadsby
23 of 50
Mid-century
This living room scheme has a mid-century feel. Bold splashes of bright yellow is teamed with sophisticated grey and white to create a striking yet very homely atmosphere.
Read more: This Victorian home is bursting with mid-century design
David Giles
24 of 50
A sense of space
Soft grey tones and crisp white details bounce light around this contemporary living room. Pale wooden furniture also helps to keep the room looking bright and airy.
• If you always forget to water plants, buy artificial ones instead. Shop a range on Amazon.
Rachel Whiting
25 of 50
Dark style
Moody greys and burnt orange tones create a welcoming, modern scheme. Offset a dark wall colour with sumptuous textures such as a wool upholstered sofa and a stylish chair in burnished leather.
Katie Lee
26 of 50
Feature walls
Katie Lee
27 of 50
Contemporary flair
Douglas Gibb
28 of 50
Neutral and light
Polly Eltes
29 of 50
Golden era
The living room in this 1950s house is a glorious example of how to indulge your love of a particular interior style or period without the scheme becoming clichéd or too kitsch.
Simply include a few modern pieces for contrast.
Mark Scott
30 of 50
Warming hues
Select a neutral paint colour with a warm tone as a backdrop for soft furnishings in rich russet shades. Team with classic patterns and choose rustic wooden furniture with simple industrial lines to complement the look.
7 luxurious velvet sofas to buy now
tips for choosing style, decoration and furniture - INMYROOM
The living room in the house is the place where, as the name suggests, guests are received. However, the owners themselves relax here, spending time in front of the TV or a book, with drinks, pleasant conversation and other activities. Therefore, the living room should be the most comfortable place in your home.
If your family consists of several people, it is important to consider the interests of everyone. It is quite possible that for one of the family members, when designing the interior of a living room in an apartment, they will have to give space for working at a computer, doing creative work, even sports.
All these points must be planned at the stage of designing the premises.
Determine the center of the living room
Living room design is inseparable from a competent layout. After looking at examples of photos of the living room in the apartment, you can see various space planning options. Of course, the choice depends on your preferences, as well as on the size and functionality of the room.
Place sofas and armchairs around the perimeter of the room in no case is worth it. Firstly, this is the last century, and the modern design of the living room categorically does not accept such a layout. In addition, you will clutter up the space with only recreational items, leaving no free space for other functional areas.
The best option for the interior of the living room is to highlight the central group, around which the rest of the furniture will be grouped. As a rule, a recreation area with a TV and a sofa is chosen as the center of the composition.
A fireplace can also be a central element, next to which chairs, rocking chairs or even luxurious skins for relaxation will comfortably fit.
Standard set of furniture for designing a living room in an apartment:
- sofa;
- several armchairs;
- coffee or coffee table;
- shelving for decorative items and/or books.
If the room is large, or it will have to take on a diverse functional load, naturally you should not limit yourself to this. The living room may well have a desktop for a computer, chests of drawers and cabinets, a bar counter.
In order not to clutter up a cramped room too much, give preference to the transformer models that are popular today. Such furniture is very functional and allows you to perfectly save scarce space.
Choice of colors
If your living room is located on the sunny side, then you are practically unlimited in the choice of colors for finishing and furnishing it.
The contrasting interior design of the living room will look very interesting. For example, walls and floors can be decorated in cold colors, while furniture, in contrast, in warm colors.
Many modern interior styles welcome the clean slate living room design. This technique involves decorating the walls and ceiling with plain white plaster or paint. And furniture and decor elements can be selected in a variety of colors: bright or rich dark - to create a spectacular and stylish interior, delicate and pastel - for a light, cozy and elegant design.
For north-facing living rooms with little to no daylight, choose warm-coloured finishes. Such an interior design of the living room compensates for the lack of sun, makes the room cozy and conducive to relaxation no matter what.
And, of course, if the room is a bit dark, you should take care of good artificial lighting. Well-placed spotlights are best suited to illuminate every corner of your living room.
Of course, the choice of colors for decorating a room should also depend on what visual and emotional effect you want to achieve.
If the living room is intended for stormy parties and active pastime, then it makes sense to decorate it in bright, saturated colors.
If the owners want to indulge in a calm and relaxing holiday, then the interior of the living room should be to match. In this case, you should give preference to soft light tones or, conversely, deep and calm, but in no case flashy.
Finishing materials
The choice of finishing materials should largely depend on the style in which you would like to maintain the design of the living room in the apartment. So, for laconic hi-tech or minimalism, paper wallpapers with romantic flowers are definitely not suitable. And Provence or country-style interiors will not be combined with bright carpets with psychedelic prints and ultra-modern wall coverings with fur or leather texture.
In addition, the shape and size of the room is of great importance. Properly selected finishes will perfectly smooth out the flaws of the room and focus on its merits.
While a thoughtlessly chosen design can spoil even a spacious and bright room.
Walls
The classic rule is that for small rooms it is better to choose light shades. It always works flawlessly. However, if this solution seems too boring for you, you can try all sorts of interesting wall designs. Spectacular examples of wall design in the living room, photos of which are presented in our article, will help you navigate and choose the most attractive options for yourself.
For example, even smooth, light-colored walls can be made a spectacular interior detail by adding bright or simply contrasting color accents to them. See such unusual living room interior ideas in the photo below.
All kinds of plasterboard niches look very stylish. They not only diversify the interior, but also become its very functional detail. After all, they can accommodate both decorative elements and items needed in the household. And if such a niche is beautifully illuminated from the inside, this will create an interesting effect of depth.
The traditional option for decorating the living room walls is wallpaper. Fortunately, today there is a great variety of them: both classic paper, and modern non-woven, and washable, and glass, and even innovative liquid wallpaper. If you are a lover of change, then you can pay attention to the wallpaper for painting. With such a finish, you can easily change the look of the room, at least several times a year. However, please note that, as a rule, such wallpapers are designed for a limited number of repaints.
Smoothly plastered or painted walls look great in modern interiors. At the same time, if you are a fan of the original design, you can pick up plaster with all sorts of beautiful and unusual textures. With its help, you can add a twist to your design and create a truly beautiful living room interior.
One of the fashion trends in modern design is the combination of materials. It is very important to use combinations of several finishes in one room: different types and shades of plaster, paint plus wallpaper, or even a combination of two types of wallpaper with different patterns and textures.
See examples of such a living room design in the photo below.
Using this technique, you will not only be able to make your interior bright, stylish and original, but will also successfully cope with the zoning of the room. As you know, for proper zoning, it is not enough to collect several diverse groups of furniture in one room. So that all this does not look like a "hodgepodge", it is necessary to highlight each of the functional areas with its own design elements. And here, the design of wall sections in different colors and even different textures is the best fit.
Ceiling
When choosing the design of the ceiling in the living room, first of all, start from the size of the room. No matter how much you like spectacular multi-tiered structures, in a small room, packed full of necessary furniture, they will look simply ridiculous. In no case do not overload the design of the room.
If the room is small, then the best option is a simple ceiling in light colors with built-in ceiling lights.
A good design move would be a small cornice around the perimeter, it will add a sense of depth.
Another interesting solution for visually increasing the space is the so-called "floating" suspended ceilings. This is a two-tier structure with a small height difference and built-in lights mounted inside the "upper" tier in such a way that they themselves are not visible. This technique creates soft diffused light and an interesting depth effect. As a result, the room seems visually higher and more spacious.
However, remember that the design tricks you have listed are inappropriate for small rooms with high ceilings. If in such a room you try to “distance” the ceiling even more due to visual techniques, then you will feel in it like at the bottom of a bottomless well.
In narrow rooms with high ceilings, it makes sense, on the contrary, to reduce the height - through visual means or with the help of suspended structures. Then the living room will immediately seem more comfortable and suitable for a comfortable stay.
If you are lucky and your living room is spacious and has high enough ceilings, then feel free to experiment with their design.
Here, multi-level suspended structures, both laconic and intricate forms, stucco, columns, scallops, and complex lighting systems can be used.
The main thing is not to overdo it and stick to the intended design of the room. If the room is decorated in a ceremonial classical style, in the spirit of Baroque or Empire, then without a doubt, both bas-reliefs and columns will be appropriate. But for more concise modern styles, you should choose a simpler and more rigorous ceiling design.
If your living room will have several functional areas, then the zoning can be "supported" with an appropriately designed ceiling.
For example, a central seating area with a sofa group and a TV set can be highlighted with a second tier of false ceiling. Depending on the general style of the room, both strict rectangular shapes and soft rounded lines may be appropriate.
The ceiling does not have to be white. Delicate, warm pastel shades will look perfect in almost any room.
Fans of more extravagant options can experiment with bright shades. It is not necessary to decorate the entire ceiling in saturated colors. However, if you highlight only part of it or one of the tiers with a spectacular shade, you will get a chic look.
As far as materials are concerned, it is best to avoid whitewashing and painting. After all, this will take a long time and carefully level the surface. An excellent modern solution is plasterboard suspended ceilings or stylish stretch models. They are quick to install, provide perfectly flat surfaces, and in addition, allow you to create a wide variety of design options.
Lighting
Just a few years ago, when choosing lighting, the issue was always decided in favor of a large ceiling chandelier. Of course, today there are many lovers of such lighting fixtures, including those decorated with numerous "crystal" pendants.
However, you should not get hung up on this option, because modern manufacturers offer many interesting, stylish and comfortable options.
If you - due to adherence to traditions or in order to create a certain style of interior - have opted for a massive chandelier, you do not need to limit yourself to this. In any living room, additional sources of lighting will be appropriate: wall sconces, floor lamps and portable standing lamps.
Additional light sources perform several functions at once:
- They allow you to well illuminate all corners of the room, without leaving any terra incognita areas in it, where it is dark in the evening, even if you gouge out your eye.
- Create separate lighting and comfort in each functional area. Thanks to a well-placed floor lamp or sconce, one of the family members with all the conveniences can read or work at a computer in the corner of the hall, while others have a “movie show” or an evening rest in the twilight on the sofa.
- Can create decorative lighting in a niche, near art objects, etc.
- They are additional decorative elements.
If you are a supporter of laconic design, then recessed ceiling lights are the best fit. They also allow you to create separate lighting in different functional areas of the living room. And besides, with their help you can always adjust the brightness and level of illumination of the room. And with all this, they remain almost invisible, do not overload the design and fit almost all interior styles.
It's safe to say that recessed ceiling lights are the best choice for a small room with low ceilings. But, at the same time, they will also be appropriate in a spacious hall.
Style Selection
Choose a style based on the tastes of the whole family. Look at photo examples of living room designs in a magazine, on the Internet, explore the various styles that are in abundance today.
Of course, the dimensions of the room must also be taken into account.
In a small room in Khrushchev, a lush baroque or any other “palace” interior will look out of place. For small living rooms, it is best to choose a laconic design in the Scandinavian style, elegant classics or strict hi-tech or minimalism. Country and Provence are perfect, as these styles suggest comfort and emphasized home furnishings.
If your living room is large, then there is room to roam. In principle, a spacious room can be decorated in almost any style that you and your family like.
When choosing the style of the living room, be sure to take into account the features of the interior of the other rooms. Maintain style and harmony.
Classic
The classic style of the interior involves the use of the most natural materials. The whole environment should breathe quality and good taste. As part of this style, traditional furniture made of solid wood or at least high-quality MDF will be appropriate.
Classic interior colors are soft, calm, usually light.
But in principle, within the framework of this style, almost any shades (except bright and flashy) will be appropriate if they are correctly beaten.
Elegant wallpaper, paintings, vases, traditional chandeliers, beautiful curtains - all this will be an excellent frame for an interior in a classic style.
Despite certain design rules, there are different directions for decorating a living room in the spirit of the classics. Within the framework of the classical style, several variations can exist at once:
- refined and rich "palace", in which discreet gilding and more elaborate forms will be appropriate;
- solid and reliable English style, suggesting solid furniture of simple shapes and unpretentious decor;
- neoclassical, meaning lighter and simpler forms, expensive elegance without ostentatious luxury.
Minimalism and high-tech
High-tech and constructivism can also be combined under this general direction.
All these styles suggest concise finishes, emphatically simple and modern furniture models, built-in lighting, and an abundance of technology.
Minimalism is characterized by soft colors, calm combinations, stylish and simple shapes.
For hi-tech, for all their similarities, saturated tones, metallic luster and a lot of glass are more characteristic. High-tech furniture or decor can have very unusual, but at the same time laconic and streamlined shapes.
Minimalist interior of the living room is best suited for young and energetic people who keep up with the times, who do not attach much importance to luxurious surroundings, preferring simplicity and elegance of lines.
However, do not think that the interior in the style of hi-tech or minimalism is something from the category of "cheap and cheerful". Such a design may well turn out to be much more expensive than some magnificent Empire style.
Country and Provence
These styles are perfect for lovers of home comfort, antiquity and rustic simplicity.
If you want to enjoy peace as much as possible, relax and forget about the bustle of the city, then these are excellent options for the living room.
At the same time, country is deliberately rough, emphatically rural, with simple, almost unfinished furniture and themed textiles. It is characterized by natural, natural shades: soft light and dark green tones, the whole range of brown, light yellow, ocher. Of the prints, a large cell, as well as various variations of floral patterns, will be especially harmonious.
The Provence style, as it should be for a true Frenchman, is more refined, distinguished by a special chic and charm. It is characterized by lighter shades of furniture and finishes: white, cream, pale blue, turquoise, beige. Decor and textiles can be very flirtatious: with ruffles, scallops, flounces, etc.
Today, these design trends are very popular not only in the design of country cottages, but also in the decoration of city apartments. Therefore, in stores you can easily find furniture, decor and finishing materials that perfectly match these styles.
Scandinavian
This style is incredibly popular right now. The secret of its success is in the harmonious combination of minimalism, comfort and homeliness. It involves a simple and concise finish, convenient and comfortable furniture of simple shapes, stylish, but at the same time soft and not defiant decor.
The Scandinavian style is characterized by calm shades: white, beige, light gray, gray-green, pale blue, dark blue. Often in the colors of such an interior, a certain marine theme can be traced.
Living room interior in Scandinavian style is the perfect balance of functionality, convenience, modernity and home comfort. Stylish and modern upholstered furniture for the living room is perfect here, a photo of which you can see below.
Choosing furniture
Before you start choosing furniture for your living room, carefully consider which functional areas will be allocated in the room. Beautiful furniture for the living room, the photo of which can be seen below, is not all.
It is important to correctly arrange it so that all the inhabitants and guests of the apartment feel cozy and comfortable.
If it is intended exclusively for families, then a comfortable sofa, armchairs, a TV stand and a couple of shelving will be enough. If space allows, you can add a coffee table, as well as small cabinets where you can place various decor items.
If you often arrange parties, like to receive and treat guests, then you will need a bar counter. It looks stylish, modern, spectacular, can serve as a place to store all kinds of items and will allow you to organize the serving of drinks and treats for guests in a very small area. In addition, the bar counter can be an excellent dividing element if you need to zone the living room.
Choose the dimensions of the sofa and the number of chairs depending on the number of family members and the possible number of guests. It makes no sense to choose an airfield sofa and three armchairs if you live alone and rarely receive guests.
In this case, it is worth limiting yourself to more compact options and leaving more free space in the room - to create a feeling of spaciousness or to accommodate other functional elements.
If you expect your guests to occasionally stay overnight, then the choice of sofa should be approached especially carefully. Choose folding models, on which, if necessary, you can fully sleep. If there can be several overnight guests, then it makes sense to consider options for transforming chairs that can fold out and turn into a bed.
Modern design solutions, as a rule, do not involve the placement of solid cabinets in the hall. It is assumed that this tradition should remain in the Soviet past. However, if you don't have a walk-in closet and don't have enough space to place storage items in other rooms, no one can force you to give up a spacious closet in the living room.
In a classic interior, it can even be a solid wall. However, if you prefer more modern design trends, then it is better to pay attention to stylish wardrobes.
For a small room, models with mirrored doors are perfect, they allow you to visually expand the space, and will not weigh down the interior as much as their counterparts with solid doors.
A small room should not be cluttered with a large number of pieces of furniture. Such an "abundant" environment will overwhelm, distract, and simply interfere with free movement around the room. If you don’t have a lot of things, then you definitely shouldn’t put a massive closet in the living room, limit yourself to a light and elegant rack. If you want to create a truly light and stylish design, pay special attention to the modern style living room furniture, the photo of which can be seen below.
If you do not plan to receive guests often, it makes no sense to purchase a grand dining table in the hall. In order to drink coffee or have a snack in front of the TV, an elegant coffee table will be quite enough. To save space, you can choose a functional transforming table, which will serve as both a stand and a storage for books and magazines, and, if necessary, can be expanded into a fairly full-fledged springboard for home meals.
Fireplace in the living room interior
If you want your living room to breathe genuine comfort and hospitality, consider purchasing a fireplace. Naturally, it is almost impossible to establish a real hearth in a city apartment. But today there are a lot of magnificent imitations on sale that will emphasize the elegance of the interior, create an atmosphere of comfort in the room and even be able to heat it.
An electric fireplace is perfect for an apartment. Do not think that this is a more beautiful analogue of the heater. In fact, modern manufacturers produce incredibly realistic models that amazingly imitate real flames. There are even models with sound and aroma accompaniment. That is, in front of you there will be not only the illusion of an open fire, but also real crackles, as well as the smells of burning logs.
Fireplaces are produced in a wide variety of styles: exquisite classic, ultra-modern laconic high-tech models, mysterious gothic, luxuriously decorated with gilding and marble in the rococo style, cozy stoves in the spirit of the country.
In addition, fireplaces in the living room can vary in location: wall, corner, island.
Such a variety of models will allow you to choose exactly the option for your living room that fits perfectly into the layout and style of decoration.
Photo
See our gallery for 212 more amazing living room design ideas.
Modern living room design ideas - TOP 40 ideas
The living room has always been the center of attraction of home life. It is in it that most of us spend most of our free time, sitting at the TV screens, communicating with household members, and sometimes arranging business receptions and friendly meetings. Therefore, the interior of the living room is a kind of visiting card of our home space.
The design of the living room should be approached with the utmost responsibility: space planning, furniture arrangement, colors, finishing materials. Let's talk about how to create a stylish and functional living room interior.
Features of planning a living room
If you decide to transform the "main" room in the house, think through everything to the smallest detail.
It is important to take into account absolutely everything: the area of \u200b\u200bthe room, the number of people permanently residing in the house, whether there are children in the family, whether large groups of guests gather, whether there are areas in the living room that need to be allocated, and many other factors. Agree, if there are children in the house, especially small ones, you definitely need to provide a play area. And also to make the space as spacious as possible, not overloaded with unnecessary furniture and corners. If you often have guests, then a large sofa or any other soft area should be key details in the interior. Ideally, the soft zone should be angled or U-shaped so that you can maintain eye contact with guests. Pay attention to the dimensions of the living room. If the room is narrow, do not overload it with high massive furniture. But if the room is spacious and more or less square in proportion, then here you are completely free in your imagination.
Choosing the style of the living room
After you have taken into account all the advantages and disadvantages of the room that you have allocated for the living room, it is time to decide on the style of decoration.
There are a huge number of them.
Classic
Even in 2021, the classic style in the living room is popular. Of course, modern technologies have brought some changes, but even digital gadgets and appliances can easily get along in the classics. Classics loves spaciousness and nobility of materials. This style is ideal for large spaces. Well, if the living room boasts large windows. Light colors, natural wood, decorative or real fireplace, carved elements, gold and silver. A classic-style living room should have a certain charm of history and nobility.
Provence
Provence differs from the classics in a certain simplicity, but at the same time it is not devoid of provincial charm. Most often, a Provence style living room can be found in a country house, in a cottage, but in city apartments it is very harmonious. Provence loves light and space, an abundance of natural materials (wood, stone, ceramics, cotton and linen). The color scheme with a touch of naivety is lilac, blue.
Floral small prints are often found on wallpaper and textiles.
Minimalism
Today, this is perhaps one of the most popular styles for decorating not only living rooms, but also all other rooms in the apartment. The reason is that due to the frequent small size of modern layouts, people value every free square meter. Of the furniture, only the necessary things remain. And then, the advantage is given to functionality. Everything superfluous is recommended to be hidden from prying eyes - for this, a sofa is chosen with a good storage area, cabinets and shelving are often built into walls and niches. In minimalism, glass and metal are preferred. Even furniture fronts are predominantly with a glossy effect, which visually adds volume and reflects light.
Loft
Another popular style that came to residential interiors from industrial premises. The loft-style living room is the most open space. The visiting card of the style is a rough wall with brickwork, embossed plaster, concrete, wooden beams.
A large number of light sources: track lighting, sconces, stylized floor lamps. As in other styles, in a loft-style living room there is always a place for a large sofa and a corner of upholstered furniture. Preference is given to leather or its high-quality imitation. The tabletop at the coffee table is often glass, but the frame is made of metal profiles.
Scandinavian style
A popular mix of Nordic tradition and minimalism. Spacious and unobtrusive style. In winter, such interiors will give warmth and homeliness, and in summer they will delight with their coolness and freshness. Scandinavian style is an abundance of light and light shades: white, light gray. The white ceiling can be decorated with wooden beams, the floor is mostly wood - parquet or high-quality laminate. Wood and textiles soften the Nordic coldness - wicker furniture and decorative elements, a fluffy carpet on the floor or a soft blanket. For a living room in Scandi style, a real treasure and a key element of decoration will be a fireplace - real or decorative.
Don't forget live plants.
Eco style
A style of freedom, lightness and proximity to nature. An eco-style living room is always a natural color scheme: green, white, sand, earth, wood shades. This is an abundance of natural materials, both in decoration and in furniture, decor: living plants, elements from raw wood (log cabins, hemp), natural light textiles. This living room is a real oasis of comfort. A small family evening or a noisy gathering with friends - an eco-style living room will take you far from the urban concrete boxes, give you natural harmony and allow you to replenish your vitality.
There are a lot of stylistic solutions for the living room. We have listed only the most popular destinations of recent seasons. Keep in mind that it is not necessary to design the entire apartment or house in the same style. Your living room can be in the classics, but the kitchen is in Provence.
Perhaps in the bedroom you will prefer minimalism, while the living room will be decorated in the style of scandi or even loft. Focus on your own feelings and tastes.
Choosing the color scheme of the living room
Choosing a color scheme is perhaps one of the most difficult and controversial issues at the entire stage of space design. Choosing one primary color is not enough, it is important to harmoniously combine it with other shades. It is necessary to take into account the effect of color on your psyche and perception, the illumination of the room at different times of the day, and many other points. Let's dwell on the color solutions in more detail.
- White. White color in the living room, as in any other space, can be associated with a certain sterility. Many consider it extremely impractical, and there is some truth in this. But at the same time, white is the most versatile color. You need to be able to dilute it. White color is an excellent base, which can often be found in Scandi, minimalism, Provence styles.
It is worth adding bright accents, textures, details to it, and the space begins to come to life. White gives the room volume and airiness. This is a canvas on which, by adding different shades and details, you can create a new interior depending on your mood.
- Semitones. The space can be decorated in one color, and it will not be boring at all. To do this, you can use semitones. Each color has dozens of its shades and halftones - red, purple, brown, blue, gray. A comfortable soft sofa in milk chocolate color will harmoniously fit into the living room, the walls of which are decorated in a close beige shade. A grayish laminate will make a good ensemble with walls, a couple of tones lighter. Depending on the saturation of the shades, you can focus on different areas and interior design items.
- Pastel range. An option in which all colors and shades are more or less combined with each other. Powdery, milk, mint and many others.
The design of the living room in pastel colors in most cases will be soft and slightly naive, which is very useful for the Provence style.
- Game of contrasts. The main idea of this color scheme is a combination of opposites. The design is based on one basic color, but it is accompanied by bold shades of a variety of colors. The walls can be white, the sofa is blue, and the decorative pillows are yellow, orange. Three walls can be decorated in neutral, calm colors, but the fourth can be made a colorful accent.
- Natural shades. All the colors that can be found in nature - herbal, gray, woody, earthy, sandy shades. Colors of rocks and minerals. This range is ideal for an eco-style interior.
Living room decoration
Each style decision has its favorites in finishing materials, but, as a rule, they somehow overlap. So, what materials are used in the living room?
Ceiling
The most versatile version of the ceiling that will suit any style living room is white (bleached or stretched).
It can be either with spotlights or with a classic chandelier in the center of the room. If the height is more than the standard 2.5-2.7m, then you can think about creating decorative suspended structures, tiers, beams. Which, by the way, can be issued in various colors.
Floor
The living room is a room for relaxation. In most cases, the living room does not need to allocate space for a cooking area or hallway. This means that the materials may not be as durable as in the bathroom or in the kitchen. Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are useless here. Universal options - linoleum or laminate. A more expensive option is parquet. You can throw an original rug with a large or short pile on the floor. If you have a living room combined with a kitchen, as is often the case in studio apartments, then it is worth considering more practical solutions. In the cooking area, you can lay out the floor with ceramic tiles, neatly and harmoniously combining it with other floor coverings.
Walls
That's exactly where your imagination will not find limits, so it's on the walls. Everything in the living room can be used. Wallpaper for painting, liquid wallpaper, spectacular photo wallpapers and frescoes, decorative bricks, plaster. Play with textures, patterns and shades. In one room, you can combine several types of wall materials at once. For example, neutral wallpaper and an original panel in the accent zone. By the way, wallpaper and frescoes can be framed with moldings or a baguette, creating the effect of a picture, or fit them into a niche. Such a play of wall materials will allow not only to decorate beautifully, but also to correctly zone the space, highlight some functional areas.
Living room lighting
In every house, the living room performs several functions at once - here they relax, receive guests, sometimes work. Lighting in the living room, as well as decorative finishing materials, will help highlight the functional areas in the room.
Chandeliers, track lights, which are located either in the very center or along the perimeter of the room, are used as the main room. Depending on the height of the ceiling in the living room, you should choose the size of the lamp (chandelier). If the ceiling height allows, you can choose hanging interesting shapes. With low ceilings, give preference to lamps in a horizontal plane.
In any of the zones there is a place for local lighting. Sconces, wall lamps, floor lamps. You can play with the intensity of lighting in zones - make it brighter, or vice versa, muffled, only creating a mood.
Spot lighting will help to emphasize some design elements, create accents. For example, in a decorative niche.
Do not forget that the style of lighting fixtures must match the style of the entire interior as a whole. A classic chandelier with crystal inlay will not fit into an industrial loft or light unobtrusive eco.
Furniture for the living room
In the traditional version of the living room, when it performs the function of receiving guests and family holidays, there will be the following furniture elements: a soft area (sofa, pouffes or armchairs), a coffee (coffee) table, a wall or a console with shelves in the TV zone.
There may be shelves on the walls, and shelves around the perimeter of the room. If a workplace is provided in the living room, then there will definitely be a computer desk and a chair.
Furniture should always be matched to the style of the interior. In scandi and eco, wooden, log, wicker solutions will be appropriate. In the classical style, carved and forged elements are often found. Do not forget about color matching with the overall gamut of the interior.
Decor in the living room
How to diversify the living room interior? Add decorative elements to it. Posters and paintings, panels, figurines, modular compositions, pillows, mirrors, plants. Any little things that fill the space with life and comfort will do. Decorative busts, statues, mirrors in carved curly frames, antique clocks will look good in the interior in the classic style. In eco or scandi, you can often find wicker panels using the macrame technique. Modern technologies allow you to decorate the interior with custom-made decor - a series of family photos, digital copies of your favorite paintings, pillows with an image, posters with house rules.
It is these interior little things that will make the stylish space really yours.
Living room in a small space
What if you have a one-room apartment or a studio apartment? How to fit everything you need in the living room and at the same time not litter it? To start, use a light color scheme. It will fill the room with light and visually add volume. Don't hide windows. Try to use functional furniture - a sofa with a storage area that can be turned into a full-fledged sleeping place, cabinets in which you can hide all things of no primary importance to the maximum. If you want to fit a full-fledged bed into the interior, carefully consider zoning and options with a decorative partition. Certain zones can be highlighted with accents - a fresco on the wall. Try to keep every square meter of the room free.
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